DE312's UNS R120s Shallow Build

[de312]

Order placed w/ Top Shelf Aquatics on 6/4/26 for a 120 Shallow. Big shout out to Frank, he was a fantastic help and provided exceptional customer service.

This is my 2nd reef tank. I have been keeping freshwater tanks for a few years. I currently have an IM Nuvo 20 set up, and was looking for something bigger.


Gear List:

- UNS R120 Shallow - 47.24 x 23.62 x 15.71" - 58.26 gallons display volume​

- 2x Noopsyche K7 Pro Lights​

- Sicce SDC 6.0 Return Pump​

- 2x Nero 5 Wavemakers​

- 2x 200W BRS Titanium Heaters (Either to be controlled by a Inkbird or Apex)​

- Simplicity 120 DC Protein Skimmer​

- NeaterHeater - Dual Single Magnet Aquarium Heater Mount​

- Neptune A3 Apex​

- Neptune DOS QD (I intend to use this for auto water changes from my basement mixing station to the main floor)​

- Neptune MXM Module (Didn't realize I needed this, apparently Sicce can connect directly to APEX over IOTA, but not AI Nero's? Lame)​

- 60# of Marcorock​

- 60# of CaribSea Special Grade Arag-Alive Sand (unsure if this is enough) ​

- Toplid cover​

- Polyplab Genesis Rock - 4 Pack​

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I plan to update as items come in. Until then I will work on making the hardscape.

 

[de312]

Some of my tanks. At one point I was casually breeding shrimp and fish. I’ve since scaled back a little bit.

 

[de312]

I ran 3 RODI tubes from an upstairs closet that the tank will back up to. They go into my basement.

One is split off the RODI system. I plan to have that for auto top off for my reservoir. I will use a level sensor, the apex solenoid and a backup float valve to top off my reservoir. Tested the flow from downstairs to upstairs and it worked fine with the splitter and normal pressure. No booster needed.

Then I have a waste line that will go to a slop sink. And a saltwater supply line that I will attach to my 50 gallon saltwater mixing station. I plan to use a Neptune DOS to do auto water changes. It “should” be able to do about 10’ of lift and 30’ horizontal. We shall see!

 

[de312]

Hardscape progress.

Got an ETA tank delivery of Monday!

 

[Gumbies R Us]

Hardscape progress.

Got an ETA tank delivery of Monday!

Aquascape is looking good!

 

[de312]

About the final iteration. Bunch of small caves and swim through. I plan on adding some smaller islands in the front space.

I disliked I had some purple rock and some white. So I may have used a bottle of the coraline color spray to tinge everything light purple.

 

[de312]

Tanks here!

 

[RoanokeReef]

Following along, I'm debating ordering this tank.

 

[de312]

Upgraded to a Sicce SDC 7.0. UNS refugium light installed. 2x AI Nero 5s. Temporarily put a single light up. Moved my scape in. Once I get wifes approval. I’ll be filling it up!!

The heaters should be safe in the main skimmer chamber? That water level should never go below the adjustable overflow gate I assume.

Also unsure where I should place the 2x Nero 5’s. On the sides blowing across the tank? Or on the back walls blowing forward. I plan to do mixed but mostly LPS. No SPS for now.

@Reefer_NYC
@UNS_Parker
@Sharbuckles Reef

 

[de312]

Things are happening quick here.

 

[Reefer_NYC]

Also unsure where I should place the 2x Nero 5’s. On the sides blowing across the tank? Or on the back walls blowing forward. I plan to do mixed but mostly LPS. No SPS for now.

with that scape i would put it on the sides blowing across

 

[de312]

We have water!

I’m new to this so I’m trying to figure out how to balance the return pump speed, and gate valve. I believe I recall @UNS_Parker saying he likes to let water trickle into the emergency overflow. So I adjusted it that way.

I notice the cover for the return pump section doesn’t fit with the barb and hose in place. Kind of strange. I wonder if these were cut small?

 

[my_reef]

I had the same issue with the return pump cover and skimmer compartment covers not fitting on my R60. They sent me a sandpaper block but it didn’t really help.

 

[de312]

I had the same issue with the return pump cover and skimmer compartment covers not fitting on my R60. They sent me a sandpaper block but it didn’t really help.

That’s funny. I emailed them and they said to dremel it.

Weird response for a 4000$ fish tank. You’d think they’d send a new one.

 

[de312]

That’s funny. I emailed them and they said to dremel it.

Weird response for a 4000$ fish tank. You’d think they’d send a new one.

UNS Parker coming in with the fix! Thank you!

 

[de312]

Coming along cycling. I added turbo start, and live rocks from my other system a few days ago.

I have a few things I’m considering buying, unsure the priority of what I should get.
-Avast Plank Auto Feeder
-Fleece Roller (Red Sea 500?)
-UV system

First bigger tank so I’m unsure what to prioritize.

 

[de312]

First corals in! And a damselfish just to “test” the waters. I had a Neptune dose setup for AWC but had an issue with a cracked housing on the pump. Waiting on repair.

I ordered a Reefmat 500 and Avast Plank. My top lid should be arriving this week. Once I get the lid I’ll add more fish.

 

[de312]

Coming along.

 

[Cicatrix]

Following this thread. Can you access the left sided electrical area from the front, or can it only be accessed from the side?

 

[de312]

Following this thread. Can you access the left sided electrical area from the front, or can it only be accessed from the side?

Fully access? No.